Mind your message

Little things we say every day can make or break our workplace image. Darlene Price, an executive coach and founder of Well Said Inc., has a list of phrases that we may know to avoid. But find me someone who has never said any of them. Because reminders can't hurt, Price offers these career-sinking phrases and career-polishing alternatives:

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Instead of "That's impossible" or "I can't do that," say "What I can do is ."

Avoid a blame statement like "You should have" by using a collaborative approach like "Help me understand why . "

Never say "It's not my job . or problem . or pay grade." Figure out whose job it is and offer to help get it done.

Those are all pretty basic comparisons between approaches. But Price has several more nuanced distinctions.

To project authority or at least be heard, don't start with "I may be wrong" or "This may be a dumb question" or "a silly idea." If you begin with self-deprecation, you invite others to discount your input.

Even more subtly, Price advises you to offer a suggestion by saying "I believe" rather than "I think." Belief, she says, is more confident.